We live in what has been called a “Gig Economy”. And it is true – more and more people are self employed, taking on short term jobs. Nowhere is this more prevalent that in the online world. People have set up shop online, and are working for others, doing work around the world from their own homes. Some of us are stuck at home due to current events – maybe this is time to explore gig work.
The easiest way to get started is to browse a site like Fiverr.com. There are a wide range of different types of jobs available. The menu bar lists “Graphics & Design, Digital Marketing, Writing & Translation, Video & Animation, Music & Audio, Programming & Tech, Business, Lifestyle and Industries.” Look at that list. Is there anything in there that lines up with a special skill you have? (note – this is also a great place to find people to help you out with your needs. See THIS POST). Those skills you have, that you might take for granted, might just be what someone else is looking for. How great would it be to make a little money on the side, quickly, while doing something you already know how to do?
For example – lets say you speak two languages. If you grew up speaking both languages in the home, translation might be very easy for you. I’m not talking about live, simultaneous interpretation – that can be challenging and stressful, even for very accomplished speakers. But could you read a paragraph or two of text, and translate it? That might be the easiest thing in the world for you to do, and guess what – people pay for that. For example – one gig offers to translate 1000 words from French or German into English. Others offer Japanese or Spanish. For 2000 words, plus one round of proofreading, you could charge $100 or more. Think of all those instructions you received with badly translated instruction manuals. Could you prevent some other business from making the same mistake?
What about your business skills? Online bookkeeping, financial planning, cost benefit analysis – there are so many options available.
Once you find the gig you want – how do you get started? Well look at the other gigs in the same niche. This should give you an idea about price, and they type of service you want to offer. Don’t feel hemmed in though – if you feel you offer a premium product, explain why, and price accordingly. And don’t limit yourself to one site – there are several, and each could be sending you work.
Think of the change this could make. You might just make a little money beyond what you are currently receiving. If that is all that happens, that is still pretty good. But maybe you will find a new lifestyle. There are some who earn all their money on systems like this. Others use it as a springboard – once they are convinced there is a real market for their skills, then they branch out, set up their own business, and go from there. Or maybe the money you make from some gigs can be used to set up the business you really want to start. It can provide that little extra you need to fund your dream.
For sure, if you are stuck at home or work is limited right now, gig work is a great way to test the waters of online money making.
